Understanding Bloating & Gas
Bloating is a sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by visible distension. Excessive gas (flatulence) and belching are closely related symptoms that frequently occur together. While passing gas 13-21 times per day is considered normal, persistent or severe bloating and gas can indicate an underlying digestive condition.
Bloating and gas can result from a wide range of causes including dietary factors, food intolerances (such as lactose or fructose), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, gastroparesis, and other gastrointestinal disorders. In some cases, persistent bloating may be a warning sign of more serious conditions requiring prompt evaluation.
At Dr. Jing Tong Gastroenterology in Flushing, NY, we conduct thorough diagnostic evaluations to determine the specific cause of your bloating and develop targeted treatment plans. Dr. Tong's training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine ensures a systematic, evidence-based approach to this common but often frustrating complaint.
Common Causes of Bloating
Food Intolerances
SIBO (Bacterial Overgrowth)
IBS
Celiac Disease
Constipation
Gastroparesis
Diagnosis & Treatment
Breath Testing
Hydrogen and methane breath tests can diagnose lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and SIBO. These non-invasive tests measure gas production after consuming specific sugars, helping identify the cause of bloating.
Dietary Management
The low-FODMAP diet is highly effective for bloating associated with IBS and food intolerances. Dr. Tong guides patients through the elimination and reintroduction phases to identify specific trigger foods while maintaining nutritional balance.
SIBO Treatment
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is treated with targeted antibiotic therapy (commonly rifaximin), followed by prokinetic agents and dietary modifications to prevent recurrence. Dr. Tong also addresses underlying causes that predispose to SIBO.
Endoscopic Evaluation
When bloating is persistent or accompanied by alarm symptoms, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy may be performed to evaluate for celiac disease, gastroparesis, intestinal obstruction, or other structural causes.
Why Choose Dr. Jing Tong?
Johns Hopkins Trained
Systematic diagnostic approach to identify the specific cause of your bloating symptoms.
Therapeutic Endoscopy
Advanced diagnostic procedures to rule out structural and inflammatory causes of bloating.
Multilingual Care
Describe your symptoms precisely in Mandarin, Shanghainese, or English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIBO and how does it cause bloating?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria colonize the small intestine. These bacteria ferment carbohydrates, producing hydrogen and methane gas that causes bloating, distension, and altered bowel habits. Breath testing can confirm the diagnosis.
Can stress cause bloating?
Yes, stress and anxiety can significantly affect digestive function through the brain-gut axis, leading to bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits. Stress can also worsen underlying conditions like IBS. Stress management is often an important component of treatment.
Which foods commonly cause bloating?
Common bloating triggers include beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), onions, garlic, dairy products, wheat, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages. High-FODMAP foods are frequent culprits. Dr. Tong can help identify your specific triggers.
Do probiotics help with bloating?
Some probiotic strains may help reduce bloating, particularly in IBS patients. However, probiotics can occasionally worsen bloating, especially in SIBO cases. Dr. Tong can recommend the appropriate probiotic strategy based on your specific diagnosis.
When should bloating be a concern?
Seek medical evaluation if bloating is persistent, progressively worsening, accompanied by weight loss, blood in stool, severe pain, vomiting, or if you have a family history of GI cancers. These may be signs of conditions requiring prompt attention.
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Get Relief from Bloating & Gas
Stop guessing and get a proper diagnosis. Schedule your consultation at our Flushing office.